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IV) 


ZEMBUCA; 

OR,  THE 

\ET.MJLKER  AND  HIS  WIFE. 

A.  DRAMATIC  ROMANCE, 

IN  TWO  ACTS  ; 

AS   PERFORMED   AT   THE 

•NEW  THEATRE,  PHILADELPHIA. 


BY  I/POCOCK,  ESQ. 

I  Author  of  John  of  Paris,  For  England,  ho !  &c. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

PUBLISHED  BY  THOMAS  H.  PALMER, 

1854, 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS. 


Zembuca,  the  sultan, ••• Mr.  Wood. 

Seliir.,  aga  of  the  janissaries, Mr.  Darley. 

Korac,  confidant  of  Zembuca,  and   7  •** 

governor  of  the  household,.  •  •   5  Mr'  #**«*%• 
Mirza,  the  net-maker, ••••••••••  •  •Mr.  JBurke. 

Buifardo,  superintendant  of  7 

slaves,  purse-bearer,  &c.     $  '  Jefferson. 

Abdallah, Mr.  Hath-well. 

Cryer, Mr.  Bignall. 

Hasan,  ••••• Mr.  Parker. 

Salic, Mr.  J.  Jefferson. 

Malic, Mr.  T.  Jefferson. 

Tasner, Mr.  Murray. 

Ibrahim,  ••••••••••••••••••••«••  •  Mr.  Johnston.  • 

Sentinel, • Mr.  Greene. 

Almazaide  the  betrothed  wife  of  7  > 

Selim,... 5^rs-  Wallack. 

Ebra,  the  wife  of  Mirza, •  Mrs.  Darley. 

Katcheka,  a  slave,  •••  •••••••••••  *Mrs.  Greene. 

Guards,  Slaves,  &c. 

Principal  dancers — Miss  Hathivcll  and  Miss  Parker. 
Female  slaves,  Mrs.  Murray.  &c. 

SCENE — in  Persia. 


ZEMBUCA. 


ACT  I. 

SCENE  i  —  an  arcade  in  the  palace  of  Zembuca—  the 
gardens  of  the  harem  seen  beyond  ;  and,  in  the  dis- 
tance, the  river,  with  the  outskirts  of  the  city  —  Tas- 
ner,  Salic,  Malic,  -with  other  slaves,  are  discovered) 
•with  implements  of  gardening^  and  advance  as  the 
curtain  rises. 

TRIO. 

When  the  sun  through  the  cypress  grove 

Chequers  the  dewy  glade, 
The  freeman  warms,  to  life  and  love  — 

We  pine  beneath  the  shade. 


Drearily  beams  the  light 

On  the  man,  by  man  oppress'd  ; 
Cheerily  falls  the  night, 

When  the  slave  may  sink  to  rest. 


When  the  moon  rides  through  the  skies, 

Sleep  lulls  the  captive's  pain ; 
When  she  sets  again,  we  rise 

To  feel  a  galling  chain. 

CHORUS. 
Drearily  beam§,  &c. 

enter  MIRZA,  -with  a  bundle  of  nets,  which  he  bears  on 
a  staff1  across  his  shoulder. 

Mir.  So,  have  I  found  you  at  last  ?  by  the  Faith 
of  a  true  mussulman,  and  a  net-maker,  you  aie  a 


M188448 


ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

S'l'e  set- -if  Zembuca  finds  you  at  this  sport, 
he'll  accompany  your  music  with  an  instrument  but 
little  to  your  taste. 

Kat.  Ah,  massa  Mirza,  dat  you  ? 

Mir.  Yes,  all  that's  left  of  me.  I'm  half  melted 
with  the  heat  of  the  sun.  Here  have  I  been  prowling 
round  the  garden  with  a  load  enough  to  break  the 
back  of  a  camel,  and,  after  all,  find  you  regaling  your- 
selves with  a  concert,  like  so  many  blackbirds  in  a 
grove. 

Kat.  "VVe  only  sing  to  cheat  time. 

Mir.  Cheat  time  !  you  have  no  business  to  cheat 
any  body. 

Kat.  Ah,  massa  Mirza,  if  you  were  slave,  and 
work  all  day  long,  you  soon  find  how  time  would 
hang. 

Mir.  But  if  I  were  to  sing  all  day  long,  I  should 
soon  find  how  the  sultan  could  hang.  Here,  take 
these  nets,  and  string  'em  upon  the  cherry-trees,  or 
perhaps  Zembuca  will  string  you  up  instead. 

[shouts  heard  without — slaves  take  the  nets  as  KORAC 
enters. 

Ko.  To  your  work  !  to  your  work  !  know  you  not 
Zembuca  comes  ?  (slaves  shrink  back}  Begone  !  [ex- 
eunt slaves.]  They  are  too  mean  to  be  the  agents  of 
his  cruelty ;  but  I,  above  the  common  race  of  slaves, 
am  picked  from  out  the  herd,  a  chosen  tool  for  villany 
to  work  with. 

Mir.  He  seems  disturbed. — Korac ! 

Ko.  How  now,  fellow  ! 

Mir.  Fellow! 

Ko.  Mirza  !  honest  Mirza,  pardon  me.  I'm  angry, 
agitated. — Oh,  Zembuca,  when  will  thy  reign  of  ty- 
ranny expire  ? 

Mir.  What  has  happened  ? 

Ko.  Another  act  of  cruelty  is  added  to  the  list — 
another  victim 

Mir.  Another !  Whom  ? 


Jlct  I]  ZEMBUCA.  5 

Ko.  Almazaide,  the  betrothed  wife  of  Selim,  is 
now  a  prisoner  in  the  palace.  Jealous  of  the  rising 
popularity  and  power  of  his  general,  this  hypocrite, 
Zembuca,  has  formed  a  plot  to  crush  his  devoted 
friend. 

Mir.  Impossible  ! 

Ko.  'Tis  true — by  this  time  accomplished — Selim 
has  met  the  rebels,  and  the  battle's  lost.  How  lost  ? 
by  the  base  contrivance  of  this  tyrant.  The  supplies 
which  he  so  long  had  promised,  were,  to  my  know- 
ledge, kept  purposely  back  ;  the  reinforcements  se- 
cretly detained,  that  inevitable  defeat  might  cover 
the  noble  name  of  Selim  with  dishonour — oh  !  'twas 
deep  laid — but  his  crimes  may  yet  be  punished. 

Mir.  I  fear  it :  who  will  discover  crimes  in  one  so 
great  ? 

Ko.  All  the  world  ;  the  brighter  the  lustre  of  the 
jewel,  the  more  obvious  are  the  spots  that  deface  it. 

Mir.  But  who  will  dare  speak  of  them  to  one  so 
powerful  ? 

Ko.  I — I  dare  speak  of  them,  (march,  piano,  with- 
out)— But  he  comes — you  must  not  be  seen. 

Mir.  Oh,  if  the  sultan's  to  be  here,  the  sooner  I'm 
off  the  better — I  never  wish  to  be  seen  in  bad  com- 
pany, [exit 

Ko.  Zembuca's  tyranny  increases  daily ;  the  pride 
of  power,  urged  by  the  fear  of  losing  it,  drives  him 
to  acts  of  desperate  oppression.  Selim  shall  not  be 
his  victim  !  This  paper,  which  I  have  hastily  writ- 
ten, I  must  try  to  get  conveyed  to  him, — 'twill  warn 
the  devoted  youth  of  the  danger  that  awaits  him, 
from  the  treachery  of  him  whom  he  believes  his 
friend.  O,  Zembuca,  there  is  a  secret,  which,  once 
disclosed,  hurls  thee  from  the  throne  thy  tyranny  pol- 
lutes, and (procession  enters)  Enough  ! 

[the  guards,    ivith   royal  band,  advance   and  fill  the 

stage — office!  s  an d  ZEMBUCA.] 

Zem.  Give  instant  orders  that  the  aga  Selim,  he 
who  has  betrayed  our  trust,  and  sold  his  victory  to 
the  rebels,  be  proscribed  throughout  the  city.  Should 


6  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

lie  dare  enter  it,  ten  thousand  sequins  shall  reward 
the  hand  that  gives  him  to  my  vengeance.  See  it 
proclaimed,  [exit  officer]  Here  I  confirm  the  sen- 
tence of  his  banishment, — this  shall  be  delivered  by 
a  special  messenger. 

Ko.  This  writing  was  well  prepared.  (aside) 

Zem.  Ah  !  Korac — (to  guards) — Retire  !  (exeunt 
guards)  Now,  Korac,  speak  comfort  to  thy  prince — 
say,  is  Almazaide  mine  ? 

Ko.  Yours  ! — Almazaide  is  within  the  palace. 

Zem.  Then  rest  my  heart  in  peace. 

Ko.  It  will  not — remember  Selim — remember  her 
intended  husband.  Allah  forbids  his  heart  to  rest  in 
peace  who  has  destroyed  his  friend. 

Zem.   Slave  !  dar'st  thou  mean 

Ko.  Even  what  I  spoke. 

Zem.  This  from  you,  whom  I  have  cherished  as  a. 
favourite,  exalted  as  a  friend  ! 

Ko.  If  as  a  favourite,  as  a  friend,  you  deny  my 
privilege  to  do  you  service,  by  speaking  truth  in  the 
cause  of  virtue, — seeking  to  make  me  great,  you 
have  made  me  base. 

Zem.  Do  you  defend  the  aga  ? 

Ko.  I  would  protect  him! — Zembuca,  hear  me. 
When  I  became  your  prisoner,  and  your  servant,  I 
had  fallen  in  battle  beneath  the  arm  of  your  much- 
injured  friend,  the  aga  Selim.  I  was  wounded,  and 
without  hope  ;  but  compassion  rose  in  the  bosom  of 
my  conqueror,  and,  scorning  to  strike  his  fallen  ene- 
my, he  preserved  me.  At  his  own  peril  he  bore  me 
from  the  field  in  safety,  and  to  yourself  resigned  me, 
to  be  your  slave.  'Tis  true,  you  lightened  the  chains 
of  servitude,  for  you  found  my  ministry  useful,  and  I 
became  your  confidant — remember — your  confidant  ! 
In  your  presence  and  in  mine  the  late  vizier  Ali  ex- 
pired— to  his  last  moments  we  both  were  privy,  and 
you  noio  possess  the  throne  of  Persia.  I  have  been 
faithful,  for  you  had  made  me  your  friend,  and  I  felt 
gratitude.  1  wus  your  slave  too,  and  therefore  bound 
to  secrecy  ;  but  slaves  have  feelings,  which,  when  ty- 


Act  1 1  ZEMBUCA.  7 

ranny  grows  wanton  with  them,  can  speak  in  voice 
of  awful  admonition  to  the  oppressor.  Your  com- 
mands in  sorrowing1  duty  I  perform,  but  never — never 
shall  the  heart  of  Korac  forget  its  gratitude  to  Selim, 
for  the  life  he  saved. 

Zem.  Indeed !  I'll  rid  you  of  the  burthen,  then — 
this  paper  waits  your  signature — when  'tis  done, 
give  it  to  my  hand  again. 

Ko.  I  shall  obey.  Fortunate  chance  ! — Could  I  but 
send  my  own  in  place  of  this.  I  must  attempt  it,  or 
the  noble  Selim's  lost.  [exit 

enter  ABDALLAH. 

Jib.  The  superintendant  of  the  slaves  and  purse- 
bearer  to  the  lower  household  waits  without,  to  sa- 
lute your  highness  on  his  appointment. 

Zem.  The  man  who  served  the  late  vizier  as  jester  ? 

Jib.  The  same  ;  but  it  is  my  duty  to  forewarn 
your  highness,  that,  though  unfit  to  fill  his  former 
station,  he  retains  a  freedom  and  a  levity  of  speech, 
that  ill  becomes  a  royal  presence. 

Zem.  No  matter,  admit  him.  [exit  Abdallah]  Fools 
that  talk  most  deceive  the  least.  I  may  have  em- 
ployment for  him. 

enter  BUFFARDO,  attended. 

Zem.  A  dull  visage  fora  jester — are  you  a  man  of 
merriment  ? 

Buf.  No  truly,  not  I ;  your  highness  has  made  me 
a  purse-bearer,  and  that's  a  serious  business.  I  was 
merry  only  while  I  had  no  money. 

Zem.  What  is  your  name  ? 

Buf.  Buffardo. 

Zem.  And  what  weighty  consideration  induced  you 
to  change  your  mode  of  life  ? 

Buf.  It  was  the  want  of  a  weighty  consideration  ; 
my  pockets  were  empty,  so  was  my  stomach — your 
highness  has  filled  them  both — I  thank  you. 

Zem.  Can  you  be  honest  ? 

Buf.  Certainly ;  you  have  made  it  worth  my  while. 


8  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Zem.  What  can  you  do  ? 

Buf.   Every  thing- you  bid  me. 

Zem.  1'hat  shall  be  proved  ;  but  are  you  qualified  ? 

Buf.  For  a  place  at  court  ?  quite.  I  can  take  good 
care  of  myself,  make  a  long-  speech  about  nothing, 
nod  my  head  as  if  there  was  something1  in  it,  and  at- 
tend dinners  at  the  shortest  notice. 

Zem.  Why  did  you  not  apply  to  be  my  jester  ? 

Buf.  I  knew  better — there  is  no  want  of  fools  at 
court. 

Zem.  Will  you  be  always  in  readiness  ? 

Buf.  When  there  is  any  thing1  to  be  given  away. 

Zem.  I  give  but  little  to'such  as  thou  art. 

Buf.  If  you  give  only  to  the  wise,  your  majesty 
gives  little  indeed. 

Zem.  All  about  my  person  are  wise. 

Buf.   Then  you  must  be  very  thinly  attended. 

Zem.  Well,  *I  admit  you  on  trial. 

Buf.  Oh,  bless  you  ! 

Zem.  Take  him  hence,  and  attire  him  as  becomes 
his  station — go,  fellow,  and  learn  to  imitate  your  su- 
periors. 

Buf.  Let  me  once  slip  into  the  robes  of  office,  I'll 
soon  imitate  them — I'll  get  a  deputy  to  do  my  work, 
but  take  special  care  to  receive  the  salary  myself. 
Lead  on,  slaves. 

[exit  BUFFARDO,  &C. 

[ZEMBUCA  speaks  ivilh  ABDALIAH  as  KORAC  enters  at 
the  side  -with  papers} 

Ko.  Now,  Allah,  prosper  my  design — they  are  su- 
perscribed alike  ;  but  should  he  read — 

Zem.  So, — are  my  orders  executed  ? — that  dis- 
patch— 

Ko.  Is  here,  sir — shall  I  deliver  it  ? 

[crosses  ZEMBUCA,  and  prepares  to  change  the  pa- 
pers] 

Zem.  Hold  !  let  me  see  it. 

[KOHAC  delivers  it,  and  in  his  agitation  drops  the  false 
paper] 


.Jet  I]  ZEMBUCA.  9 

Right !  it  contains  the  doom  of  Selim.  Let  it  be  for- 
warded without  delay,  (retiring} 

Ko.  All's  safe  ! 

(putting  the  real  paper  in  his  bosom) 

Jib.  (advancing  to  the  paper)  Mighty  sultan  ! 

Ko.  (perceiving  it)  Ah  ! 

(stamps  his  foot  upon  it) 

Zem.  What  now  ? 

Jib.  Here  is  a  paper,,  sir. 

Ko.  That — that  I  carelessly  let  fall.        (picks  it  up: 
and  shews  it  to  ZEMBUCA) — Your  dispatch. 

Zem.  "  To  Selim."  (reading) 

Ko.  "  Late  Aga  of  the  Janissaries" — with  my  of- 
ficial signature. 

Zem.  'Tis  well.  [exit 

Ko.  (to  ABDALLAH)  Away  instantly — forward  that 
paper — 'tis  by  the  sultan's  order — begone. 

[exit  attendant 

My  project  has  succeeded — I  have  preserved  my 
friend. — Prophet  of  the  just !  thy  spirit  still  direct 
me !  [exit 

SCENE  ii — interior  of  MIRZA'S  cottage — a  large  win- 
dow in  the  back — a  door  near  the  centre,  and  a  clo- 
set on  the  other  side .-  the  whole  apartment  pictur- 
esque, being  occupied  by  the  various  implements  of 
net-making,  &c. —  River  and  fortress  seen  through 
the  ivindoiv. 

[music] 

enter  EBRA,  -with  mesh  and  netting-needle,   as  at  -work. 
Ebra.  (throwing   down    her  work)    Just   mid-day, 
and   Mirza   not  come  home !     Why  does  he  stay  ? 
Whenever  he  carries  his  nets  to  the  palace,  I  am  ne- 
ver easy  till  he  returns.     He  hates  Zembuca  so  cor- 
dially, and  speaks  his  mind  so  freely,  that  I  fear  the 
indiscretion   of  his   tongue  may   be'tray  the   secret 
workings  of  his  heart.    Would  he  were  returned. 
[music] 


10  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Mir.  (as  he  enters)  Wife  !  Ebra ! 

Eb.  Ah,  my  dear  Mirza,  why  did  you  stay  so  long  ? 

Mir.  To  hear  the  news — there's  the  old  work 
going  on  at  the  palace. 

Eb.  Indeed  !  you  tremble. 

Mir.  Do  I  ?  'tis  with  rage  then.  The  aga  Selim 
is  banished,  and  Almazaide,  whom  he  was  to  mary 
when  he  returned  from  the  wars,  penned  up  in  the 
Harem.  This  Zcmbuca  is  the  people's  scourge,  not 
their  blessing;  even  Korac,  his  chief  friend  and  fa- 
vourite, turns  upon  him  at  last. 

Eb.  Mirza,  remember,  you  are  only  a  poor  net- 
maker  : — this  is  no  business  of  yours. 

Mir.  No  business  of  mine!  'tis  every  honest  man's 
business,  however  humble  his  station,  to  set  his  face 
against  tyranny  and  oppression.  But  come,  let's  to 
dinner,  for  I  am  vexed  and  weary. 

Eb.  It  is  all  prepared.  [a  knock  at  the  door.] 

Mir.  Who  can  that  be  ? 

Eb.  'Tis  at  our  door. 

Mir.  Who  knocks  ? 

Voice.  Enquire  not,  but  open,  I  entreat  you.  Be 
speedy,  or  I  am  lost. 

Eb.  'Tis  the  cry  of  distress. 

Mir.  The  cry  of  distress  ! — open  the  door. 

\music\ 
[EBRA  opens  the  door,  and  SELIM  enters — a  JDervise's 

cloak,  in  -which  he  is  wrapped,  falls  bach,  and  dis- 
covers his  person.     He  leans,  exhausted,  against  the. 

door,  -which  he  closes  hastily} 
Selim,  the  banished  aga  ! 

Sel.  Be  silent;  name  me  not,  I  implore  you. 

Mir.  Noble  sir,  why  are  you  here  ?  know  you  not 
the  consequence  ? 

Sel.  Too  well ; — and  well  I  know  the  cause. 

Eb.  Whatever  be  the  cause,  we  are  honoured  by 
your  presence.  Joy  and  welcome  to  you,  sir  ! 

Sel.  Joy  I  must  never  hope  to  find,  'till  Almazaide 
be  restored.  Korac,  by  some  friendh  stratagem,  ap- 
prised me  of  my  danger ;  he  informed  me  too,  (you 


Act  I]  ZEMBUCA.  11 

best  can  tell  how  truly,)  that,  should  I  enter  the  city, 
I  might  find  security  in  Mirza's  cottage. 

Mir.  Did  he — did  Korac  say  that  ?  his  confidence 
has  made  me  proud  ! 

Eb.  We  rejoice  in  proving  thus  our  gratitude  ; — to 
Korac's  kindness  we  owe  all  that  we  possess* 

Mir»  How  can  we  serve  you  ? 

Set.  By  suffering1  me  to  remain  here  'till  my  pur- 
pose is  accomplished. 

Mir.  The  house  is  yours ;  and,  for  want  of  a  better, 
I'll  be  your  body-guard. 

Eb.  And  I  your  servant. 

Set.  Heaven  will  reward  you — I  cannot. 

[shouts  heard  without 
[music] 

Eb.  Is  the  door  fast  ? 
[SELIM  rushes  towards  it,  lays  his  hand  upon  the  bolt, 

and  with  the  other  screens  himself  from  the  sight  of 

the  crowd,  who   are  seen  through   the  window   sur- 
rounding the  cryer] 

Eb.  'Tis  the  cryer— listen  ? 

(MIRZA  and  EBRA  stand  apart  near  the  front) 

Cryer.  "  Take  notice,  all  good  mussulmen,  that  his 
"  sublime  highness  the  sultan  Zembuca,  having  heard 
•that  Selim,  the  banished  aga,  is  now  concealed 
{  within  the  city,  proclaims  through  me  sentence  of 
6  death  to  all  who  may  conceal  him  ; — and,  to  those 
*  who  may  deliver  him  to  the  hands  of  justice,  a  re- 
'  ward  of  ten  thousand  sequins." 
[the  mob  shout  and  follow  the  cryer — SELIM  lifts  his 

arms  in  despair,  and  watches  the  hesitation  of  MIR- 
ZA CWC/EBRA] 

Mir.  Death  to  those  who  may  conceal  him  ! — 

Eb.  A  reward  for  his  discovery  ! — 

Mir.  Ten  thousand  sequins !  in  old  age  a  certain 
comfort. 

Eb.  For  my  poor  children  what  a  change !  from 
poverty  to  splendid  independence  !  [catches  the  eye 
of  MIRZA,  who  glances  towards  her] — Mirza  ! 

Mir*  Ebra  !  [advancing  towards  her] 


12  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Set.  By  heaven,  they  hesitate  ! 

Mir.  Can  those  riches  give  comfort  to  our  age, 
that  have  been  obtained  in  our  youth  by  the  destruc- 
tion of  a  fellow-creature  ? 

Eb.  Can  that  wealth  ever  prosper  which  is  ex- 
tracted from  the  groans,  perhaps  the  blood  of  a 
wretched  captive  ?  never ! 

Mir.  Impossible  ! 

Eb.  Yet  'tis  an  immense  sum  ;  and  for  us — 

Mir.  It  cannot  purchase  happiness — our  days 
would  pass — 

Eb.  In  unavailing  repentance. 

Mir.  Our  nights — 

Eb.  In  agony  unutterable.    Yet  think — 

Mir.  I  am  resolved. 

Eb.  Then  Selim  is— is — 

Mir.  In  safety  ! 

Eb.  Oh !  I  am  happy — [falls  into  MIRZA'S  arms] 

Sel.  Bless  them,  Allah  ! — yet  reflect, — this  may- 
lead  you  into  danger. — 

Mir.  You  are  in  danger,  and  I  shall  not  resign  the 
chance  of  doing  good  for  certain  evil. 

Sel.  But  be  cautious  ;  should  your  zeal  in  my  be- 
half betray  you — 

Mir.  Fear  not,  noble  sir — I'll  mingle  with  the 
crowd,  and  bring1  you  further  information  speedily. 
Ebra,  should  danger  stir  while  I  am  absent,  remem- 
ber the  secret  closet.  You  understand — 

Eb.  I  do. 

Mir.  And,  above  all,  betray  no  apprehension. 

Eb.  Rely  on  my  discretion — taught  by  the  exam- 
ple of  my  dear  Mirza,  I  feel  confident  of  success,  and 
fearless  of  danger. 

Mir.  The  innocent  always  feel  so. — Now  let  Zem- 
buca,  in  his  pride  of  power,  envy  the  feelings  of  a 
poor  net-maker. 

[MIKZA  exit  at  door — SELIM  and  EUUA  at  the  side, 
[music] 


.let  2]  ZEMBUCA,  13 

SCENE  in — inside  the  palace. 

enter  BUFFARDO  in  his  new  dress,  followed  by  slaves, 
who  all  chatter  round  him. 

Slaves.  Ah  !  Buffardo  !  Buffardo !  massa  Buffar- 
do! 

Buf.  Silence,  I  say,  silence  !  [slaves  pause]  hem  ! 
— now  let  me  inform  you,  who  and  what  I  am. 

Kat.  Ah,  we  know  very  well — you  massa  Buffar- 
do— you  great  man,  you  purse-bearer,  and  pay  us  for 
work. 

Buf.  Yes,  I  am  appointed  your  whipper-in,  and 
shall  pay  you  for  idleness — look  here  !  (holding  up  a 
ivhip)  here's  my  badge  of  authority — (slaves  draw 
fiack)  Why,  you  don't  seemed  pleased — instead  of 
welcoming  your  new  master  with  smiles,  your  faces 
are  as  long  and  as  black  as  a  winter's  night — have 
you  no  respect  ? 

Kat.  Oh,  yes,  massa,  we  plenty  of  respect. 

Buf.  Plenty,  have  you  ?  you  take  care  not  to  part 
with  any  of  it, — you  hav'n't  decreased  your  original 
stock  on  my  account — why  don't  you  bend,  you  stiff- 
necked  rascals  ?  have  you  lived  at  court,  and  not 
learned  common  politeness !  (slaves  all  bow)  ah  ! 
that's  all  proper, — that's  as  it  should  be. — Now  then, 
away  to  your  employment !  abscond  !  fly  !  [exeunt 
slaves]  Poor  devils !  to  be  sure  it  would  be  something 
out  of  my  pocket,  but  if  I  was  a  sovereign,  curse 
me  if  I  would  not  abolish  that  system  altogether,  and 
have  this  insignia  of  slavery  burnt  by  the  common 
hangman !  [throwing  away  the  whip]  Now,  after  I 
have  kissed  hands  on  my  appointment,  I'll  go  and 
visit  the  blue-eyed  Ebra — the  baggage  jilted  me  for 
a  net-maker — I'll  try  if  she'll  refuse  me  now — it 
isn't  every  woman  can  resist  fine  clothes,  a  full  purse, 
and — this  figure  !  [exit 

enter  ZEMBUCA,  followed  &I/K.ORAC,  &c. 

Zem.  Bring  him  before  us  ! 

Ko.  Mirza !  Mirza  detained  !  I'll  answer  with  my 
B 


14  ZEMBUCA,  [Pocock 

life  for  that  man's  honesty  !  dread  sir,  remember 
how  many  you  have  dismissed  already, — the  hopes  of 
your  reward  induce  these  slaves  to  seize  on  all,  with- 
out discrimination. 

Zem.  I  will  examine  him,  at  all  events — let  him 
appear. 

Ko.  (aside")  Now,  Mirza,  all  must  depend  on  you. 

MIRZA  is  brought  in   by  guards. 

Zem.  Are  you  the  net-maker,  whose  name  is  Mir- 
za? 

Mir.  Mirza  is  my  name,  and  I  am  a  net-maker. 

Zem.  Where  do  you  dwell  ? 

Mir.  At  present  in  Zembuca's  palace — I'd  rather 
dwell  at  home  ? 

Zem.  Where  is  your  home  ? 

Mir.  At  a  hut,  on  the  banks  of  the  river. 

Zem.  Speak  without  equivocation. 

Mir.  Why  should  I  speak  otherwise  ? 

Zem.  Do  you  know  who  and  what  I  am  ? 

Mir.  Thoroughly. 

Zem.  Do  you  know  Selim  ? 

Mir.  Still  better. 

Zem.  Then  you  will  not  deny  him  ? 

Mir.  Wherefore  should  1  ?  he  is  virtuous,  upright, 
and  just — I  am  proud  to  acknowledge  all  such. 

Zem.  Tell  me  where  he  now  is. 

Mir.  Where  I  am — under  the  protection  of  Provi- 
dence. 

Zem.  You  answer  boldly. 

Mir.  Because  I  have  never  dene  an  act  to  be 
ashamed  of. 

Zem.  I  am  told  Selim  is  concealed  by  your  means ; 
if,  therefore,  he  does  not  appear  within  twelve 
hours,  your  life  shall  answer  it. 

Mir.  It  will  not. 

Y.cm.    How. 

Mir.  If  you  think  by  my  means  he  may  be  dis- 
covered, you  will  not  despatch  me  till  you  get  tin- 
secret. 


Jlct  1]  ZEMBUCA.  15 

Zem.  Insolent  reptile !  convey  him  from  my  pre- 
sence. 

Mir.  I  thank  your  highness — that's  the  greatest 
favour  you  can  do  me. 

Zem.  Korac,  convey  him  to  prison. 

Mir.  A  prison  !  me  to  prison  !  you'll  not  sleep 
the  sounder  for  that — my  wife  and  children's  cries 
will  ring  upon  your  ears,  and  vibrate  to  your  heart ! 
Look  that  you  hear  them  not.  The  prop  that  sup- 
ported a  poor  man's  'dwelling  you  have  deprived 
them  of. — Look  that  your  own  palace  stands  the 
firmer  for  it. 

Zem.  Korac,  to  your  care  I  confide  him.  See  him 
well  secured — [KORAC  shows  signs  of  joy,  and  exit 
•with  MIRZA  and  guards.] — 'Tis  plain,  this  man's 
poverty  could  not  resist  so  tempting  a  reward  ; .  but 
to  detain  him  till  to-morrow,  will  assist  my  purpose 
with  the  gentle  Ebra. — Buffardo  ! 

BUFFARDO  enters. 

Buf.  Here.  I  am,  most  mighty  sultan  ! — I've  put  on 
the  peacock's  feathers,  and  I  flatter  myself  I  shan't 
disgrace  my  calling. 

Zem.  I  am  about  to  try  that.  Listen  !  I  have  just 
sent  to  prison  a  man  named  Mirza. 

Buf.  Mirza  !  what,  Mirza  the  net-maker  ? 

Zem.  You  know  him,  then  ? 

Buf.  I've  heard  of  him — this  is  lucky,  I  shall  have 
Ebra  all  to  myself.  Pray  what  may  be  his  offence  ? 

Zem.  He  claims  a  right  in  her,  whose  charms  are 
worthy  my  possession. 

Buf.  What,  Ebra  ?— what,  his  wife  ?— oh,  lord ! 

Zem.  Do  you  know  her,  too  ? 

Buf.  Slightly,  slightly — a  sort  of  how  d'ye  dp  and 
good-bye  acquaintance. 

Zem.  When  last  I  took  my  rounds  in  disguise  about 
the  city,  I  beheld  her  for  the  first  and  only  time,  but 
her  beauty  still  remains  impressed  on  my  imagina- 
tion. Go,  therefore,  as  my  emissary,  and  prevail  on 
her  to  return  with  you  secretly  to  the  harem. 


16  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Suf.  Your  highness's  seraglio  must  be  but  indif- 
ferently stocked,  to  be  thus  smitten  with  a  poor  net- 
maker's  wife. 

Zem.  No  remarks !  Depart !  and  as  you  succeed 
for  me,  so  you  will  best  serve  yourself.  [exit 

Buf.  What  a  devil  he  is  after  the  girls!  why, "he's 
worse  than  I  am, — the  very  morsel  too  with  whi£h  I 
was  going  to  regale  myself.  No  matter,  it  shall  be 
my  turn  by  and  by.  Hang  me  if  I  don't  have  a  se- 
raglio of  my  own,  and  strut  among  my  beauties  as 
grand  as  the  best  bantam  of  the  brood.  [exit 

SCENE  iv. — the  net-maker's  cottage. 
EBRA  and  SELTM  discovered. 

Set.  Ebra,  kind  Ebra  !  do  not  feel  thus  alarmed. 

Eb  How  can  I  feel  otherwise  ?  he  promised  to  re- 
turn immediately,  and  now  the  sun's  last  ray  gleams 
on  the  towers  of  the  fortress. 

Sel.  Dismiss  your  fears — had  your  husband  been 
suspected,  they  would  long  ere  this  have  searched  the 
house,  and  dragged  me  hence. 

Eb.  That  they  shall  never  do ;  I  have  yet  means 
to  baffle  the  strictest  scrutiny — attend  !  that  closet  is 
as  deep  within  the  wall  as  it  projects  beyond  it — 
Mirza  made  it  in  the  last  war,  to  conceal  our  little 
property — in  the  centre  is  a  false  back,  which  opens 
by  a  spring — see  !  [as  she  opens  it,  a  knock  heard 
tit  the  door] — Ah,  'tis  Mirza  ! 

Sel.  Stay  ;  it  may  not  be  Mirza. 

Eb.  Who  is  there  ? 

J3nf.  Open  the  door  and  you'll  see I'm  a  mes- 
senger from  the  sultan  !  ( -without  J 

Eb.  From  the  sultan  !  [music] 

[she  opens  the  door,  after  making  a  sign  to  SELIM,  ~vho 
enters  the  closet. 

enter  BUFFARDO. 
[    Now,  sir,  what  is  your  business  ? 


JlctI]  ZEMBUCA.  17 

Buf.  Business !  do  you  take  me  for  a  tradesman  ? 
I  have  just  been  made  an  ambassador — I'm  a  man  of 
pieasure ! 

Eb.  Sir  !  you — you,  why,  surely,  'tis  Buflfardo  ! 

Buf.  Oh,  yes,  it's  Buflfardo,  sure  enough.  Don't 
wonder  at  her  not  knowing  me,  poor  thing  !  for 
since  I've  put  on  the  robes  of  office,  I  hardly  know 
myself. 

Eb.  'Tis  plain  no  ill  has  befallen  Mirza,  or  he 
would  be  the  first  to  tell  it  me.  (~ aside} 

Bvf.  You  are  astonished,  hey  !  now  you  see  what 
you've  lost  by  refusing  me  for  that  noodle  of  a  net- 
maker  ;  a  fellow  without  talents ;  not  at  all  fit  for 
office. 

Eb.  Quite  as  fit  as  a  fellow  who  did  nothing  but 
ride  a  horse  from  morning  till  night  round  his  father's 
mill. 

Buf.  Gently,  gently,  if  you  please,  mrs.  Ebra  ; 
don't  talk  of  what  I  was ;  think  of  what  I  am — we 
have  no  memory  at  court  for  what  we  have  been. 

Eb.  Court !  ha  !  ha  !  you  at  court ! 

Buf.  The  first  man  in  it;  and  I  bring  you  an  invi- 
tation to  be  second  favourite. 

Eb.  What  does  he  mean  ?  me  ! 

Buf.  Yes,  you — the  sparks  from  your  eyes  have 
caught  the  tinder  of  the  sultan's  heart,  and  lighted 
up  such  a  blaze,  that  he  says  nobody  can  put  it  out  but 
yourself !  But  why  don't  you  ask  me  to  sit  down  ?— 
are  these  your  manners  ? 

Eb.  If  I  could  but  keep  him  engaged  till  Mirza 
returns — I'll  bring  you  a  seat  directly,  Buffardo  ;  and 
what's  better,  something  to  eat. 

Buf.  Ay,  do. 

Eb.  If  I  could  but  detain  him  till  Mirza  arrives — 
fasidej  [exit 

Buf.  I  must  not  tell  her  about  master  Mirza,  or  I 
shall  never  get  her  out  of  the  house.  Nobody  on  the 
watch,  I  hope — but  I  thought  I  heard  two  voices  as  I 
entered — a  closet  ?  [opens  the  closet,  -which  appears 
empty.] 

B  2 


18  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

EBIIA  enters  with  a  seat. 

Eb.  What  are  you  doing  there  ?  lie  surely  doesn't 
suspect — why  don't  you  help  me  with  the  table  ?  Is 
this  your  court-breeding  ? 

Buf.  Beg  your  pardon,  beg  your  pardon,  upon  my 
honour ;  but,  really  my  head's  so  full  of  state  af- 
fairs, you  must  excuse  me.  [music]  (they  bring  on 
table,' &c.)  Ah,  ah  !  this  looks  well— this  is  all  right, 
(seals  himself  ) — Won't  you  pick  a  bit  ? 

lib.  Not  till  Mirza  returns. 

Buf.  No — then  you'll  have  a  devil  of  an  appetite 
the  next  time  you  eat.  f  aside J 

SELIM  appears  at  the  closet. 

Eb.  Now  tell  me  the  meaning  of  all  your  fine 
speeches  about  the  sultan. 

Buf.  Why,  the  meaning  is,  that  Zembuca  thinks 
you  just  as  tempting  as  I  do  this  chicken,  and  wants 
you  to  return  with  me  to  the  seraglio  ;  therefore,  you 
had  better  get  yourself  ready ;  and  by  the  time  you 
are  dressed  to  your  liking,  I  shall  be  sufficiently  re- 
freshed to  walk  back  with  you.  (tv1tile  BUFFARDO  is 
eating,  SELIM  is  "writing  on  a  paper) 

Eb.  Impudent  coxcomb  !  but  I'll  match  him.  (sees 
SELIM  beckoning,  she  takes  the  paper  and  read;;) — 
"  Agree  to  his  desire,  and  I  will  go  in  your  place,  dis- 
"  guised  in  the  dervisc  habit  which  before  concealed 
"  me." 

Buf.  (eating)  Well,  what  do  you  say  ?  will  you  do 
as  you  are  desired  ? 

Eb.  I  will !  (SELIM  makes  signs  of  acknowledg- 
ment.) 

Buf.  That's  right — it  isn't  every  day  that  such 
good  things  fall,  as  it  were,  into  a  person's  mouth. 

(eating) 

Eb.  But  the  voice — that  alone  will  betray,  (aside) 

Buf.  And,  if  you  can  but  contrive  to  hold  your 
tongue  so  long,  and  muffle  yourself  up  in  a  cloak,  no- 
body will  see  or  hear  you — so  you  needn't  be  afraid 


Jlct  I]  ZEMBUCA.  19 

of  your  character.  I  assure  you  Zembuca  has  a  great 
regard  for  you  in  that  respect. 

Eb.  Why,  to  be  sure,  it  is  a  great  temptation  ;  but 
I'm  afraid,  when  I  get  there,  you'll  only  make  a  fool 
of  me. 

Buf.  No,  no,  I'll  take  care  of  that ;  one  of  my 
trade's  quite  enough. 

Eb.  Then,  if  I  were  to  go 

Buf.  The  sultan  would  give  you  as  warm  an  em- 
brace, as  I  do  this  jug  of  liquor,  (drinking) 

Eb.  Well  then  I'll  put  on  the  cloak  of  an  old  der- 
vise  that  sometimes  lodges  here. 

Buf.  That's  a  good  thought  of  yours.  Do  put  it  on, 
and  I'll  drink  "  Success  to  the  sham  dervise,  and 
may  his  cloak  answer  every  intention  of  the  wearer." 

[drinks 

Eb.  Thank  you,  Buffardo,  thank  you,  heartily. 

Buf.  But  make  haste,  or,  by  the  time  you  are  dis- 
guised as  a  dervise,  I  shall  be  disguised  in  liquor. 

Eb.  Don't  look  at  me  while  I  put  on  my  dress. 

Buf.  O,  no — decency,  decency,  my  dear  ! 

Eb.  When  I  say,  "  ready  !"  you  may  look,  but  I 

shall  not  speak  another  word  after (pause) 

Ready ! 

Buf.  So  am  I.  (rising)  Come,  that's  the  most  sub- 
stantial joke  I've  had  to-day,  (he  sees  SELOI  in  dis- 
guise, EBRA  having  entered  the  closet)  By  the  beard 
of  Mahomet  you  look  a  strapper  in  that  dress  ;  but 
it's  no  wonder,  I'm  grown  very  high  myself  since  I 
got  into  the  road  to  preferment — so,  come  along,  my 
love — come  along,  my  charmer.  [exeunt 

SCENE  v. — interior  of  the  palace, 
enter  KORAC. 

A*b.  Once  more,  for  the  last  time,  I'll  probe  Zem- 
buca's  heart !  If  any  spark  of  honour  yet  remain,  I'll 
rouse  it  to  a  flame  ;  but  should  1  find  him  lost  indeed 
to  every  sense  of  feeling  and  of  shame,  I  may  be- 
hold his  fall  without  a  pang. 


20  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

enter  BUPFAHDO,  conducting  SELIM. 

Buf.  This  way,  this  way  ; — now,  if  his  high  migh- 
tiness the  sultan  doesn't  say  I've  done  the  thing  neat- 
ly, I  say  he's  no  judge  of  an  ambassador — that's  all. 

Ko.  BuflTardo  !  who  hast  thou  conducted  to  this 
forbiden  spot  ?  know  you  not  the  punishment  ? 

Buf.  Hold  your  tongue ;  it's  only  a  tit-bit  for  the 
sultan. 

Sel.  Korac  here!  Could  I  discover  myself !  (aside) 

Buf.  (to  SELIM)  That's  right — imitate  the  gruff 
voice  of  a  man,  and  you'll  not  be  discovered.  This 
is  a  worthy  dervise  come  to  advise  with  the  sultan. 

[•while  BUFFARDO  turns  to  KonAr,  SELIM  opens  the 
cloak,  and  discloses  himself — a  scarf  drops  from 
the  folds. 

Ko.  Ah !  is  it  so  ? 

Buf.  Yes,  it  is  so  indeed — you  may  well  be  sur- 
prised at  seeing  such  a  person  here.  Bless  your  soul, 
it's  only  the  little  blue-eyed  Ebra  !  Zembuca  has  ta- 
ken a  fancy  to  her,  and  made  me  plenipotentiary  on 
the  occasion. 

Ko.  I  comprehend,  your  companion  would  attend 
on  Almazaide.  (SELIM  botvs.) 

Buf.  Ah  !  that's  a  very  good  excuse. 

Ko.  Come,  I'll  lead  the  stranger  in  :  Zembuca  is 
in  his  closet,  where  no  one  but  myself  is  privileged 
to  enter. 

Buf.  Ah  !  now  I've  done  the  work,  you  want  to 
touch  the  reward — hey  ? 

Ko.  Do  not  believe  it.  I  promise,  that,  whatever 
recompense  Zembuca  may  think  you  merit,  shall  be 
yours  alone. 

Buf.  Well,  go  along  with  him,  Ebra,  and  don't 
tremble  so — bless  you,  the  danger's  over  now.  (SE- 
LIM crosses  to  KOHAC)  Korac  will  soon  show  you  the 
person  you  came  to  see — won't  you,  Korac  ? 

Ko.  That  I  will,  be  confident. 

[exit  Korac  -with  Selim 


.let.  1}  ZEMBUCA.  21 

J3uf.  Come,  I  think  the  sultan  will  shower  his  re- 
wards upon  me  pretty  thick  for  that  job  !  what  have 
we  here  ?  a  scarf  ! — (picking  up  the  scarf  -which 
SELIM  dropt) — A  general's  scarf!  here's  more  luck 
— then  Selim  was  in  the  cottage,  and  this  has  stuck 
in  the  folds  of  Ebra's  cloak.  I'll  be  after  him  direct- 
ly. If  I  should  find  him— ten  thousand  sequins  !  and 
no  fees  to  pay  !  Oh,  Lord  !  'twill  make  a  man  of  me 

ten  thousand  sequins  !  [exit 

[music] 

SCEXE  vi — a  splendid  apartment  in  the  seraglio — 
steps  ascend  to  an  archway  in  the  centre  9  through 
ivhich  appear  a  balcony  and  veranda — dark — the 
front  is  brilliantly  illuminated — lively  music  heard, 
and  ALMAZAIDJ;,  splendidly  dressed,  advances  from 
the  veranda — as  she  closes  the  curtains  ivith  ivhich 
the  archway  is  hung,  the  music  ceases. 

Jllm.  To  escape  is  hopeless !  the  veranda  leads  into 
the  gardens  of  the  harem,  surrounded  by  walls  and 
lined  with  sentinels — here  then  I  must  await  my  des- 
tiny— yet  think  not,  Zembuca,  these  glittering  toys, 
these  false  and  fleeting  pleasures  can  ever  win  me  to 
thy  arms  !  Oh,  Selim  !  Selim  !  fly  to  the  rescue  of  the 
wretched  Almazaide — leave  me  not  to  wear  the  garb 
of  vice,  while  virtue  swells  my  heart. 

enter  KOBAc/rom  veranda. 

Ko.  Alone  !  'tis  fortunate  ! 

Mm.  Who  art  thou  ? 

Ko.  The  friend  of  Almazaide. 

Jllm.  Almazaide  has  no  friend  but  Allah  and  her 
Selim. 

Ko.  Yes,  one  more — Korac.  Nay,  doubt  me  not — 
Selim  is  at  hand,  in  safety  and  unknown. 

Jllm.  Selim  !  Selim  !  said  you  ?  noble-minded  man  ! 
what  hast  thou  risked  to  save  me  ? 

Ko.  That  which  thy  noble  Selim  gave — my  life  ! 
For  his  sake,  for  your  own,  be  careful ;  one  incautious 


22  ZEMBUCA.  [PococL 

word  would  now  destroy  us — be  patient — be  confi- 
dent— and,  when  the  time  best  serves — Korac  the 
slave  shall  make  this  tyrant  tremble  ! 

Jllm.  Oh  fear  me  not ;  but  where,  where  is  my 
lord,  my  life  P 

Ko.  He  waits  at  the  veranda  ;  I  have  removed  the 
guard,  and  will  conduct  him  to  you.  {s^S) 

\bugle  heard  without] 
Aim.  Undone  !  undone  !  it  is  the  sultan. 
Ko.  Hush  !  'tis  too  late  ;  I  cannot  now  apprise  him 
of  his  danger. 

\bugle  again,  and  music  -without] 
— Be  calm,  and  leave  the  rest  to  me. 

[music  louder.] 

dancers  advancet  and  attendants, — lastly,  Zembuca. 
Zem.  By  Mahomet,  she  blooms  as  fair  as  when  my 
eager  love  first  sued  to  win  her  smiles  !  Beauteous 
Almazaide,  let  all  remembrance  of  the  past  be  bu- 
ried in  oblivion,  and  live  henceforth  for  joy  and  for 
thy  prince  ! 

Aim.  Who  can  absolve  the  pledge  of  faith, — who 
can  absolve  the  plighted  vows  to  Allah  and  my  affi- 
anced husband  ? 

Zem.  Still  this  obdurate  folly  ! 

Mm.  Oh,  prince  !  restore  him,  and  I  bless  thee  ? 

(kneeling) 

Zem.  You  know  the  terms — accept  them. 
Jllm.  Never !  My  heart  is  Selim's,  but  my  honour 
is  mine  own  !  still  shall  you  find  me  firm  in  my  faith 
to  him — invulnerable  to  thee. 

Zem.  Presumptuous  girl !  yet  even  in  her  anger 
lovely — Come,  haughty  fair  one,  mar  not  the  pre- 
sent hour  with  frowns,  but  weigh  the  difference  be- 
tween a  vassal's  grovelling  love,  and  Zembuca's  fa- 
vour. 

[ZEMBUCA  advances  to  ALMAZAIDE — she  catches 
the  eye  of  KOHAC,  and  takes  the  proffered  hand 
of  the  sultan,  ivho  leads  her  to  an  ottoman, 
which  has  been  placed  by  the  attendants  at  the 
side. 


Act  I]  ZEMBUCA.  23 

JTo.  That's  well    Now  could  I  but  reach  the  ve- 
randa, and  prevent  his  entrance. 
Zem.  Korac,  stand  near  us. 

[KORAC     looks   anxiously  towards    the   archway, 

bows,  and  crosses  to  ZEMBUCA.] 
—Commence  your  revelry. 

[a  ballet  is  here  performed.} 
Zem.  JTis  well ! — give  me  the  cup. 

[The  attendants  step  forward  with  wine — the 
dancers  are  so  dispersed,  as  to  face  the  sultan, 
and  to  leave  the  archway  exposed.  Jit  the 
instant  ZEMBUCA  turns  and  offers  the  cup  to 
ALMAZAIDE,  she  utters  a  cry  of  terror,  and  falls 
back.  KORAC  springs  up  the  steps,  and  forces 
back  SELIM,  who  has  suddenly  appeared,  and 
throwing  open  the  remaining  part  of  the  dra- 
pery, turns  to  answer  the  surprise  of  ZEMBU- 

CA.] 

Zem.  Why  this  alarm  ? 

Ko.  The  heat  of  the  apartment,  nothing1  more — a 
deadly  paleness  overspread  her  features,  and  I  has- 
tened to  remove  the  cause. 

Zem.  She  faints  !  look  to  her. 

Ko.  Those  curtains  now  withdrawn,  all  will  be 
well. 

Jilm.  Surely  I  beheld  the  features  of 

Ko.  Of  Zembuca — behold  he  is  still  here ! 

Jilm.  I  am  unused  to  midnight  revelry — so,  please 
you,  I  would  be  alone. 

Zem.  Speak,  and  you  command.  I  leave  you  to 
repose — let  all  retire.  [all  retire 

— But  avoid  reflections  on  the  past ;  wear  now  Zem- 
buca ever  in  thy  heart.  [exit 

Jilm.  I  could  not  have  been  deceived. 

[music — KORAC  advances  to  the  archway} 
SELIM  enters. 

Sel.  Almazaide  ! 

Jilm,  It  is — it  is  my  Selim  ! 


24  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

[They  fly  to  each  other's  embrace. — JWwic  increas* 
68  to  violence,  and  ZUMBUCA  heard.] 

Zem.  (without)  Let  none  pass  in  or  out  the  for- 
tress ! 

Ko.  Zembuca's  voice  ! 

Mm.  Fly,  Selim,  fly  to  the  veranda  ! 

Ko.  'Tis  in  vain,  the  garden  is  beset  by  troops. 

Zem.  (without]  Let  every  post  be  doubly  guarded 
— this  is  the  scarf  of  Selim  ! 

Ab.  (without)  We  found  it  in  the  apartment  of 
BufFardo. 

rLem.  (entering)  Indeed,  treacherous  villain  !  then 
'twas  he  admitted — a  stranger  !  seize  on  the  traitor  ! 

[music.  ] 

[They  secure  him — his  cloak  falls  off} 
—Selim  ! 

Sel.  Ay,  deceitful  tyrant !  Selim,  thy  injured  friend! 
Come,  lead  me  to  my  fate  ! — thy  tyranny  may  tri- 
umph for  a  while,  but  the  day  of  retribution  will  ere 
long"  arrive,  and  hurl  destruction  on  thy  guilty  head ! 
Zem.  Drag  him  to  his  death. 

Ko.  C aside  to  ALMAZAIDE)  'Tis  our  last  hope  ! 
C draws  his  scymitarj — The  chains  of  death  are  on 
him. 

Zem.  Korac,  I  will  not  trust  thee, — thouart  treach- 
erous. 

Ko.  Not  so — I  too  have  been  deceived. 
Zem.  Away  !  to  prison  ! 
Ko.  To  prison  ! 

Jllm.  Spare,  oh  spare  my  Selim,  and  let  Almazaide 
die  ! 

[music] 

(ALMAZAIDK  struggles  to  accompany  SELIM-,  who 
runs  to  the  veranda — armed  men  rush  for- 
ward  and  prevent  his  escape — ALMAZAIKF  faint  a 
in  the  arms  of  ZKMUITA,  and  KOUAC  raises 
/i/'a  sciimitur  nn-r  the  ht'iid  n/'sKLJM — i  , 
'folk. 


Jet  11}  ZEMBUCA.  25 

ACT  II. 

SCENE  I — the  net-maker's  cottage. 

JKBRA  discovered  at  a  table — a  lamp  burning — effect  of 
moon-light  through  the  window. 

[music  expressive] 
[EBHA  listens — music  ceases] 

Kb.  I  am  again  deceived !  each  step  I  hear,  ex- 
hausted patience  makes  me  believe  my-  husband's. — 
What  can  have  happened  ?  I  dread,  I  fear  the  worst; 
but  this  suspense  is  terrible. — Oh,  my  poor  Mirza  ! 
the  aga  too  :— no  tidings  yet  of  him— perhaps  they 
are  alike  involved,  and — 

[KORAC  appears  at  the  window."} 

Ko.  'St !  'st ! 

Eb.  Again  !  I  could  not  be  mistaken  ! 

Ko.  Fear  not — 'tis  Korac.  (looking in) 

Eb.  Welcome,  welcome  ! 

KORAC  enters. 
Yet  Mirza, — but  I  dare  not  enquire — 

Ko.  Are  you  alone  ? 

Eb.  Quite. 

Ko.  Then  all  is  safe—advance  ! — 
MIRZA  enters. 

Mir,  Ebra  !  my  dear  Ebra  ! 

Eb.  Oh,  joy  !  joy  !    (running  to  liimj    But   how  ! , 
tell  me,  where  is  the  aga  ? 

Mir.  In  the  tyrant's  fangs. 

Eb.  But  you — 

Mir.  Have  been  rescued  by  Korac. 

Ko.  Quick,  close  the  window — (EBRA  closes  it) — 
we  have  no  time  to  lose  in  explanation — Selim  must 
be  released — 'tis  a  desperate  enterprise  ;  but,  with 
my  aid,  Mirza  must  attempt  it. 

Mir.  Willingly. 

Eb.  (advancing)  No,  no  !  I  have  endured  too  much 
already. — While  we  may  in  safety,  let  us  quit  this 
place  for  ever. 

C 


26  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Mir.  And  leave  our  friends  to  perish  ! 

Eb.  Oh  !  Korac,  if  it  was  in  your  power  to  release 
my  husband,  why  not,  at  the  same  moment,  have 
given  Selim  liberty  ? 

Ko.  Mirza  was  in  my  custody,  and  his  escape  will 
not  be  known  till  day -break ;  but  Zembuca  (though 
still  secure  in  my  fidelity)  knows  me  for  the  friend  of 
Selim,  and  with  jealous  eye  watches  me  at  every 
turn.  The  aga's  prison  lies  in  that  part  of  the  fortress 
which  overhangs  the  river ;  and  to  reach  it  undis- 
covered, was  impossible. 

Mir.  How  then  do  you  propose  ? 

Ko.  Pass  in  a  boat  across — land  on  the  opposite 
shore,  and  I  will  meet  you  on  the  walls. 

Mir.  It  shall  be  done. 

Eb.  But  how  to  scale  them  ? 

Mir.  Easily  ;  leave  that  to  me,  with  your  assistance 
— I  have  enough  netting  in  the  loft  above,  to  ascend 
a  minaret. 

Ko.  'Tis  well ;  but  that  I  may  be  sure  of  your  ap- 
proach, let  your  boy  chaunt  the  boatman's  evening 
song— meanwhile,  and  'tis  a  serious  charge,  you, 
Ebra,  must  convey  this  packet  to  the  sheik  Moham- 
med, [giving  packet 

Eb.  He  that  now  commands  the  Janissaries  P 

Ko.  The  same  ;  he  lies  encamped  eastward  of  the 
city.  The  contents  of  that  will  urge  the  soldiers  with 
resistless  motives  to  espouse  the  cause  of  Selim,  and, 
ere  the  sun  appears,  Zembuca  falls,  unpiticd  and 
despised,  and  we  are  slaves  to  tyranny  no  longer. 

Eb.  Indeed!  that  hope  inspires  my  heart  with 
more  than  woman's  courage. 

[KOIIAC,  having  opened  the  door,  returns] 

Ko.  Stay,  one  thing  I  had  forgot — the  tower  that 
flanks  the  northern  entrance  is  the  weakest  part  of 
the  fortress — bid  him  strike  there. 

I'll).  I  will  be  sure  on't. 
[BUFFARDO    takes     advantage    of    KORAC'S    opening 

the  door9  enters  ;  and  conceals  himself  behind  tic. 

fain] 

Ko.  Farewell !  success  be  with  you. 


Jict  II]  ZEMBUCA.  27 

Eb.  Oh,  doubt  it  not !  success  must  be  with  those 
who  fight  for  freedom.  [exit  Korac 

[BUFFARDO  being"  exposed,  runs  behind  the  curtain] 

Mir.  Now  follow,  and  help  me  to  prepare  ;  the 
tide  ebbs  fast,  and  we  have  no,  time  to  lose. 

Eb.  I  am  ready  ;  come. 
[during   her  dialogue  ivith  KORAC,  EBRA  secures  the 

packet,  and  exit,  following  MIRZA — BUFFARDO  then 

sneaks  forward] 

Buf.  Oh  yes,  'tis  Selim  sure  enough — any  fool  can 
see  that,  though  he  drest  himself  up  in  Ebra's  clothes. 
The  dog  looks  well  enough  in  petticoats,  and  if  their 
voices  were  not  so  different,  I  might  have  been  de- 
ceived. But  how  came  Mirza  here  ?  oh,  I  suppose 
the  sultan  prefers  the  company  of  his  wife — here  he 
is  again,  (retreats) 

enter  MIRZA  ivith  a  bag — EBRA   dragging  a   heap  of 
netting,  to  -which  is  attached  loops. 

Mir.  Now,  Ebra,  place  it  in  the  bag. 

Buf.  Ebra !  why  it  is  Ebra !  then,  who  the  devil 
have  I  taken  to  the  palace  ?  (aside} 

Eb.  I  must  be  careful  not  to  entangle  it. 

Mir.  But  how  did  you  contrive  to  get  Selim  into 
the  seraglio  ? 

Eb.  Oh — ha !  ha !  I  sent  him  muffled  up  in  the 
dervise  dress,  with  that  fool  Buffardo. 

[BUFFARDO  expresses  amazement] 

Mir.  Indeed  !  then  the  scarf  by  which  he  was  dis- 
covered must  have  dropt  by  accident ;  it  was  found 
in  Buffardo's  apartment,  whom  they  searched  for  in 
vain.  His  punishment  at  best  would  have  been  a 
sound  whipping,  and  the  loss  of  his  ears  ;  but,  having 
left  the  palace,  'tis  a  chance  now  if  he  escapes  the 
bowstring. 

[BUFFARDO  expresses  great  horror] 
Eb.  Poor  fellow  !  then  I  suppose,  by  this  time,  he 

is  too  anxious  about  his  neck,  to  think  much  of  his 

ears. 

Mir.  Zembuca  swears  vengeance  on  him,  and  the 


28  /EMRUCA.  [Pocock 

only  chance  to  escape,  is  to  return,  and  prove  his  in- 
nocence— ah  ! 

[MIRZA  goes  to  the  closet,  and  takes  a  poniard  from  it 
— an  he  closes  the  door,  he  sees  BUFFARDO'S  legs  be- 
neath the  curtain,  and  starts  forward."] 

Eb.  Mirza  !  (amazed  at  the  action J 

Jlfir.  Hush!  we  are  observed,  betrayed! — we 
must  leave  the  house  instantly. 

[a  distant  drum  heard] 

Eb.  A  drum  !  (in  terror,  lookijig  through  the  lattice) 
— Ah  !  I  see  guards  appproaching. 

JBuf.  Guards  ! — oh  lord  ! 

JWir.  Guards !  be  silent :  no  doubt  in  search  of 
that  fool  Buffardo — 'tis  no  affair  of  ours.  I  must 
hasten  to  the  boat — come,  wife,  'tis  a  clear  night,  and 
you  shall  along  with  me.  Be  sure  you  lock  the  door 
— fast  bind,  safe  find,  they  say  ; — so  stick  to  the  old 
proverb. 

[during  the  latter  speech,  MIRZA  places  the  pon- 
iard in  his  belt — throivs  the  bag  over  his  shoul- 
der, and  is  assisted  eagerly  by  EBRA,  ivho 
glances  her  eye  round  the  room  in  search  of  the 
object  of  their  alarm — they  go  out  and  lock  the 
door. 

[the  drum  heard  at  intervals] 

Buf.  {after  attempting  to  open  the  door,  advances) 
Fast  bind,  fast  find — blocks  and  bowstrings !  they'll 
find  me  !  Oh,  Mahomet,  if  you  ever  took  pity  on  a  mi- 
serable mussulman,  novv's  your  time — they  are  coming 
this  way — coming  for  my  ears !  perhaps,  for  my 
head !  oh,  if  I  could  but  transfer  my  punishment 
with  my  place,  how  gladly  would  I  deliver  up  the 
seals  of  office  ! 

[loud  knock — music] 

[BUFFARDO   rushes   up   the   stairs — the   lattice-work 
of  the  window  and  door  are  forced,  with  a  crash 
enters  with  guards — by   his  direction. 


Act  II]  ZEMBUCA.  29 

they  separate  in  search — while   he  examines  the 
apartment,  BUFFARDO  drops  across  the  window] 

lias,  ("seeing  him  rise  and  run)  He  escapes ! 
(guards  enter}  Follow,  follow  to  the  bridge  ! — (they 
rush  after  in  pursuit} 

[music,  hurrying  and  expressive} 

SCENE  n — the  shore  beneath  the  -walls  of  the  fortress — 
a  platform  -with  a  -watch-tower — the  -water-gate  of 
the  fortress  in  the  middle  distance,  beyond  which 
other  parts  of  the  building — a  bright  moon-light — a 
sentinel  on  guard — after  symphony,  which  com- 
mences as  the  scene  is  disclosed, 

VOICE*  PIAXO. 

Pull  away,  pull  away  !  the  stream  is  cle.ep  ; 
But  labour  once  over,  I  soundly  sleep ; 
Pull  away,  pull  away  !  the  tide  to  save  ; 
My  bark  must  fly  swift  o'er  the  rippling-  wave. 

[KORAC  appears  on  the  walls.] 

Sen.  Who's  there  ? 
Ko.  A  friend. 
Sen.  The  word  ? 
Ko.  Zembuca ! 

[jnusic — the  relief  enters — guard  is  relieved,  during 
which  the  boat  has  approached  the  shore — as  the  re- 
lief departs,  the  boatman's  song  is  resumed  in  a  lou- 
der strain] 

My  voice  shall  keep  time  to  the  murmuring  oar, 
My  song  be  re-echoed  from  shore  to  shore  ; 
And  gaily  I'll  cut  through  the  sparkling  foam, 
And  the  moon-beams  will  light  me  in  safety  home. 

*  One  stanza  of  the  boatman's  song  omitted  after 
the  first  representation. 

c  2 


30  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Ko.  'Tis  the  signal !  'tis  Mirza.     Once  past  the 
sentinel  he  is  safe. 

[the  boat  disappears  behind  the  platform] 

All  is  yet  well — he  lands — advances. 

[MIRZA  appears — as  the  sentinel  makes  a  turn  on  the 

parade  he  observes  him] 

Sen.  How's  this?   a  stranger  beneath  the  walls! 
stand  !  who  are  you  ? 

Mir.  A  friend. 

Sen.  What  are  you  ? 

Mir.  A  fisherman. 

Sen.  What  have  you  there  ? 

Mir.  The  produce  of  my  labour. 

Sen.  I  must  see  it. 

Mir.  Impossible. 

Sen.  How  ? 

Mir.  The  officer  of  the  janissaries  told  me  I  might 
pass  unmolested. 

Sen.  Indeed!  then  you  know  the  watch-word — let 
me  hear  it. 

Mir.  The  watchword  !  'sdeath  !  I  know  it  not — Ko- 
rac  forgot  to  apprize  me. 

Sen.  The  word,  I  say  ! 

Ko.    Zembuca.    (from    the  -wall) — (MIBZA    looks 
around  amazed) 

Sen.  What  said  you? 

Mir.  Didn't  you  hear  ?  Zem— Zembuca — 

Sen.  Right — you  may  pass. 

[MIHZA  obsemes  KORAC,  -who  leaves  the  wall — a 
shot  is  heard  -without,  repeated  at  a  distance — 
drum,  at  the  sound  of  which,  the  sentinel  runs 
out. — MIIIZA  throws  the  netting  over  the  bat- 
tlement, and  ascends  the  wall,  the  net  serving  as 
a  ladder — as  he  draws  it  after  him,  BUFFAR- 
DO  rushes  across  the  stage,  looking  back  in  ter- 
ror, as  if  pursued.  Jls  the  guards  enter,  MIRZA, 
having  drawn  up  the  nety  disappears  from  the 


Act  II  ]  ZEMBUCA.  31 

•wall,  and  the  music  ivhich  has  accompanied  the 
preceding  action,  bursts  into  the  folio-wing 

CHORUS.* 

Follow,  follow,  follow  near, 
The  rash  intruder  must  be  here  ; 
ConcealM  in  dusky  shade  he  lies — 
Escape  is  vain ;  the  traitor  dies ! 

Follow,  follow,  follow,  now 
The  outlaw  to  his  fate  must  bow  ; 
Success  will  soon  reward  our  pains, 
And  his  reward  be  death  or  chains. 
Follow,  follow  ! 

[exeunt 

SCENE  in. — -within  the  tvalls, — steps  of  rough  stone 
-work  running  up  to  the  left,  as  leading  to  the  ram- 
parts— a  small,  but  heavy  and  deep  portal  seen  in 
the  ivall,  the  -whole  exhibiting  marks  of  decay,  but 
great  strength — the  report  of  a  musket  heard,  and 
BUFFARDO  instantly  darts  through  the  door,  and  se- 
cures it  after  him. 

[music} 

JSuf.  I  am  just  in  time — I  heard  the  bullet  whiz 
close  to  my  head  ! — a  purse-bearer  never  ran  so  fast 
before — I  have  sprained  my  back  jumping  from  Mir- 
za's  cockloft,  and  have  been  hunted  like  a  badger, 
by  a  pack  of — if  that  damned  fellow  with  the  long 
whiskers  had  fired  a  moment  sooner,  I  should  have 
had  it. — 'Tis  well  I  secured  a  retreat, — but,  if  I  don't 
see  Zembuca,  and  explain  this  blunder  before  Pm 
caught  by  one  of  these  savages,  I  shall  be  strangled 
by  mistake — hey  ! 

*  This  chorus  omitted  after  the  first  representa- 
tion, owing  to  the  length  of  the  piece. 


^2  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

KOHAC  enters — BCFFARDO  listens  in  terror. 

Ko.  Not  here  ! — I  heard  the  guard  in  loud  confu- 
sion on  the  shore, — if  they  should  take  him,  he'll 
hang-  alive  food  for  vultures. 

Buf.  OLord! 

Ko.  What  noise  ?  I  heard  him  ! — he  must  have 
passed  the  wall — this  way,  perhaps. 

Buf.  Hanged  alive  ! — food  for  vultures  !  what's  to 
be  done  ?  If  I  stir,  I'm  lost — if  I  stay,  I'm  found  di- 
rectly— another  ! — it's  all  over. 

enter  MIRZA. 

Mir.  The  murmuring  of  the  breeze  deceived  me, 
or  I  heard  his  voice  ;  he  couldn't  have  left  this  spot — 
now,  my  good  poniard,  I  may  need  thy  service. 

Ko.  'Tis  he  !  I  was  not  mistaken.  f  advancing, 
:MIRZA  lifts  'his  poniard J — Hold  !  'tis  thy  friend  ! 

\_Jlt  this  moment,  BUFFARDO  being  on  the  ground 
between  KORAC  and  MIRZA,  he  exclaims,'] 

Buf.  Hold  !  hold!  I  beseech  you— I'll  take  it  as  a 
particular  favour.  Oh  !  Korac,  my  dear  friend — I  ne- 
ver was  so  glad  to  be  a  dear  friend  in  all  my  life. 

Ko.  Buffardo  here ! 

Buf.  Ay,  I  am  here, — I  wish  I  was  any  where 
else — I'm  on  the  look-out  for  the  rascal  that  hus  just 
passed  the  wall. 

Mir.  Indeed  !  ( again  raising  his  poniard J 

Buf.  Now  don't— don't  flourish  that  spiteful-look- 
ing thing  about. 

Ko.  You  ! — you  in  search  of — 

Buf.  Yes,  to  be  sure — why  you  don't  suspect  that 
all  this  hue  and  cry  was  after  me,  do  you  ? 

JtftV.  Oh,  'tis  evident, — the  fool  betrays  himself. 

Buf.  Hey  !  why  it's  Mir/a,  as  I'm  alive  ! 

Ko.  What  said  you  ? 

Buf.  Why,  I  said  it — it's  a  mercy  I'm  alive! — I 
wish  you  would  not  be  so  snappish. 

Ko.  Come,  follow  to  the  palace. 

Buf.  To  the  palace  with — 


Jet  II]  ZEMBUCA.  33 

A"o.  With  a  witness,  who  can  swear  to  the  person 
who  just  now  created  this  alarm. 

JWir.  Ay,  he  who  entered  that  door. 

Suf.  A  witness  !  what  did  he  see  then  ! — It's  time 
for  me  to  be  off,  here's  some  mischief  brewing- — O,  if 
I  could  but  turn  the  tables  on  my  dear  friend  Korac, 
and  recover  my  ascendancy  in  Zembuca's  cabinet, 
who  knows  but  I  may  live  to  be  prime  vizier,  after 
all  ?  [exit 

JTo.  Now  then  away  with  speed ;  near  at  hand  I 
have  provided  means  that  will  pass  you  unquestioned, 
unnoticed,  even  to  Selim's  prison. 

Mir.  Which  way  does  it  lie  ? 

Xo.l  will  conduct  you? — oh,  Mahomet!  should 
the  efforts  of  thy  servants  in  the  cause  of  Justice  be 
successful  now,  Korac's  measure  of  content  is  full. 

[exeunt 

SCEJTE  iv — a  prison — in  the  back  a  gallery,  about 
half  ivay  up  the  wall,  tvith  strong  bars  of  iron  in- 
tertvoven,  -with  spears,  beneath  which  stands  a  table*; 
on  the  right,  a  grated  entrance  in  an  angular  di- 
rection from  the  gallery  to  a  column ,-  on  the  oppo- 
site side,  SELIM  is  discovered,  chained — music — the 
spear  guard  appears  in  the  gallery,  tvith  basket, 
lamp,  cffc. — he  looks  down  on  Selim  as  he  passes — 
after  a  pause,  ALMAZAIDE  is  seen  in  the  gallery. 

Jilm.  I  can  go  no  further — terror  and  fatigue  op- 
press me,  and  I  faint,  sink.  (~she  leans  against  the 
barsj 

(SELIM  starts,  and  listens) 

Ah  !  I  hear  the  clank  of  chains — perhaps  the  chains 
of  Selim. 

Sel.  That  voice  !  my  name,  too  !  I  could  not  dream 
it — 'tis  she,  'tis  Almazaide  ! 

Aim.  Selim  !  O  my  dear  Selim  !  let  me  fly  to  your 
release ! 

Sel.  Impossible  !  my  chains  are  locked,  the  entrance 
is  secured — return,  return,  I  charge  you  ;  if  you  are 


34  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

found  endeavouring  to  assist  me,  they  will  destroy 
us  both. 

Mm.  When  danger  threatens  Selim,  where  should 
Almazaide  be  found,  but  sharing1  his  calamity,  and 
striving-  to  avert  it?  no!  I  will  not  return;  if  we 
may  not  exist  together,  at  least  we'll  die  so. 

Sel.  How  have  you  contrived  to  reach  this  dreary 
mansion  ?  had  you  accomplices  ? 

Aim.  I  had  courage  and  true  faith ! — they  may  be- 
friend me  still — confident  that  I  could  not  escape, 
Zembuca  left  me  in  the  harem  unattended  ;  I  took 
advantage  of  the  darkness — I  have  followed  the  foot- 
steps of  the  spear -guard  through  the  mazes  of  this 
hideous  labyrinth,  and — 
Sel.  Hush! 

[music] — (" 'guard  appears  at  the  entrance,  enters^ 
and  leaves  the  gate  ajar  while  he  deposits  lamp 
on  table _) 

Guard.  See,  I  have  brought  you  some  refreshment. 
Sel.  Repose  will  now  refresh  me  more  than  food — 
these  chains  prevent  my  sleeping.     You  have  the 
key,  and  may  release  me  from  their  weight. 

Guard.  I  have  the  key,  but  to  use  it  as  you  re- 
quire is  not  in  my  orders — (hangs  it  on  a  hook  above 
the  table.} 

Sel.  Does  compassion  interfere  with  duty  ?     You 
were  taught  otherwise,  when  under  my  command. 
Guard.  A  brave  soldier  must  not  feel  compassion. 
Sel.  No  soldier  can  be  truly  brave  without  it ! 
Guard.  Zembuca  thinks  differently — he  may   be 
wrong,  but  I  dare  not  disobey  him. 

[while  speaking,  he  takes  the  lamp  and  hangs  it 
against  the  column  opposite  to  SELIM — ALMA- 
ZAIDE is  seen  reaching  to  the  key,  but  withdraws 
her  arm  ivhcn  the  guard  turns] 

— Come,  taste  your  bread,  and  eat  heartily,  while  I 
prepare  my  mattrass.  Ere  long  I  shall  be  for  guard 
upon  the  ramparts. 

[music — guard  retires    benca'h   the   ^d!'e: 
prepares   his  mattrass — during  thin  \IM\ 


Jlct  II]  ZEMBUCA.  35 

gets  one  of  the  spears,  reaches  the  key,  and  drops 
it  into  the  jug>  SELIM  observing  her.] 
Guard,  (returning)  Come,  eat. 
Sel.  I  cannot  eat,  my  mouth  is  dry  and  feverish. 
Guard.  Then  drink — the  contents  of  this  jug-  will 
comfort  you. 

\music — after  giving  it,  he  goes  to  the  opposite 

side,  and  trims  the  lamp] 
— has  it  revived  you  ? 
[SELIM  has  taken  the  key  from  the  jug,  and  unlocked 

his  chains. 
Sel.  Much,  much ! 
[music — guard  goes  to  the  door — locks  it  and  re' 

tires  to  his  couch. 
Sel.  This  key  must  be  returned,     ("aside} 

[SELIM,  in  reaching  to  replace  the  key,   drops  the 
chains  from  his  gripe,  and  immediately  falls  up- 
on   them,  Jiolding  the  belt  round  him.     Jit  the 
same  instant,  ALMAZAIDE  utters  a  cry  of  alarm, 
and  the  guard  starts  forward — (~pausej — ad- 
vances suspiciously,   takes   the  jug  and  bread? 
replaces  them  on  basket,  and  notices  the  key] 
Guard.  All  is  safe  ;  but  I  thought — did  not  you 
hear  a  noise  in  the  gallery  ? 

Sel.  The  echo  of  a  creaking  door,  nothing  else. 
Guard.    A    light   advancing — 'tis    Zembuca !    he 
comes  to  visit  the  prison — I  must  be  ready. 

Sel.  Zembuca  !  then  Almazaide  perishes  !  she  can- 
not pass  him,  cannot  enter,  ("aside J 

[music — march.  «1s  they  pass  above,  the  guard  in 
haste  kicks  back  his  mattrass,  throws  basket  on 
it,  unlocks,  and  throws  open  the  door  ;  then  tak- 
ing his  spear,  which  he  had  left  against  the  co- 
lumn, stands  as  on  duty. — Jit  the  moment  he  turns 
from  the  door  for  the  spear,  ALMAZAIDE  darts 
through  it  and  conceals  herself] 

guards,  slaves,  &c.  enter,  followed  by  ZEMBUCA, 
Zem.  'Tis  well ;  these  chains  become  a  traitor, 


36  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Sd.  Indeed  !  then  it  were  fit  Zembuca  wore  them. 
— Why  come  to  mingle  insult  with  thy  cruelty. 

Zem.  I  am  come  to  hear  a  fixed  resolve  to  what  I 
shall  propose — mark  me  !  your  scattered  troops, 
joined  with  the  rebel  army,  have  sent  an  insolent  de- 
mand, that  you,  their  general,  be  restored.  Rather 
than  shrink  beneath  their  threats,  these  towers  shall 
be  Zembuca's  tomb — sign  this  paper — betray  them 
to  ;the  ambush  I  have  formed,  and  life,  with  liberty, 
again  are  yours. 

Sel.  I  will  not  betray  them. 

Zem.  Remember  the  alternative — speak  ! 

Sel.  Then,  thus  I  answer :  for  myself,  I  demand 
justice  f — for  Almazaide,  liberty  ,• — for  your  unhappy 
subjects,  mercy  ! — Render  yourself  immortal  in  the 
affections  of  your  people — for  time,  that  crumbles  the 
inscription  from  a  tyrant's  monument,  will  make  that 
indelible,  which  a  virtuous  prince  impresses  on  the 
heart ; — a  good  king's  memory  will  never  perish  ! 

Zem.  Your  fate  then  is  decided  ;  unless  these  mur- 
muring slaves  return  to  their  allegiance,  you  swing  a 
lifeless  corse  above  the  battlements  !  Those  who  des- 
pise Zembuca's  clemency,  shall  learn  to  fear  his  hate  ! 
— Away ! 

[march] 

[ZEMBUCA  retires  ivith  guards,  slaves,  &c.  *fls  KO- 
RAC  exit,  ALMAZAIDE  looks  after  him,  from  the 
table,  and  is  observed  by  one  of  the  black  slaves, 
•who  lingers  behind,  and  in  the  confusion  is  not 
observed  by  the  guard,  till  the  rest  repass  the 
gallery.  Jfo  the  guard  goes  to  lock  the  gate,  he 
sees  him.~\ 

Guard.  How's  this  ?  why  do  you  loiter  here  r 

Slave.  Have  you  not  observed — 

Guard.  What  ? 

.Slave.  A  stranger  concealed  in  the  prison  > 

Guard.  Concealed — who  ? 

Slave.  A  friend  of  Selim. 


Act  //]  ZEMBUCA.  37 

Guard.  Indeed,  where  ? 
Mir.  Here! 

[throws  off  the  crape,  seizes  guard,  and  holds  a 

poniard  over  him]   . 
Sel.  Ah  !  Mirza  ! 
Aim.  Mirza ! 

Guard.  Help  !  help  !   treachery  !  the   guard !  the 
guard ! 
Mir.  Another  word  and  'tis  your  last. 

[SELIM  seizes  him  on  the  other  szV/e— ALMA  z  AIDE 

takes  the  key,  and  advances] 

Aim.  Secure  him,  or  we  may  be  pursued  !  The 
chains  !  the  chains  ! 

(they  place  the  belt  round  him,    and  ALMAZAIDE 

locks  the  chains — bugle  heard) 

Mir.  Lose  not  a  moment !  fly  to  the  walls  that 
skirt  the  river,  and  you  may  pass  them  with  the 
means  by  which  I  entered — the  left  avenue  will  lead 
you  there  in  safety. 

[exeunt  Selim  and  Almazaide 

(at  the  same  moment  guards,  ivith  torches  and  sa- 
bres, rush  across  the  gallery.) 

Mir.  Ah !  already  !  One  word,  and  this  poniard  is 
in  your  throat. 

[music] 

[MIRZA,  crossing  to  the  entrance,  -waits  behind  it. 
Other  guards  are  seen  folio-wing  through  the 
gallery.  Jit  the  instant  the  guard  rushes  in, 
Mirza  darts  through  the  door  and  locks  it — the 
other,  hearing  the  gate  close,  turns,  but  is  too 
late.  While  he  struggles,  ALMAZAIDE  is  seen 
borne  through  the  gallery  by  guards — music  ex- 
pressive] 

SCENE  v — a  Moresco  hall  in  the  fortress. 

Voices,  (ivithoutj  Huzza !  huzza ! 
D 


38  XEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

BUFFAEDO  enters  in  haste. 

JBitf.  I  never  get  clear  of  one  scrape,  but  I  tumble 
into  another. 

Voices,  (without  J  Huzza  !  huzza  ! 

Buf.  Ah,  you  may  huzza  till  you're  hoarse  !  I'll 
not  be  shot  at  again  to  be  made  great  mogul !  This 
is  the  consequence  of  being  an  orator,  1  must  make 
speeches  and  be  damn'd  to  me  !  "  Soldiers,"  said 
I,  "  the  enemy  are  at  hand  ;  if  you  don't  distinguish 
''yourselves,  depend  upon  it,  they'll  extinguish  you  : 
"  therefore,  fight  like  game-cocks,  and  cover  your- 
"  selves  with  glory."  Upon  which,  the  captain  of 
the  jannissaries,  taking  me,  that  is,  mistaking  me  for 
a  hero,  swore  I  should  lead  a  party  into  the  very 
thick  of  battle. 

Voices,  ("-without  J  Buflfardo  !  Buffardo  ! 

enter  HASAN. 

Buf.  That's  the  fellow,  with  the  long  whiskers, 
that  let  fly  at  me— well ! 

Has.  You  are  waited  for ;  the  rebels  advance  ;  we 
expect  fine  sport. 

.Buf.  Sport !  sport !  I  wish  you  merry — pray  don't 
let  me  keep  you  from  the  entertainment. 

Has.  Why,  you  are  appointed  to  head  the  sortie, 
and  surprise  the  enemy. 

Buf.  Are  you  sure  the  enemy  wont  surprise  us  ? 

Has.  Why,  they  are  very  strong,  so  you  had  bet- 
ter prepare — there  will  be  the  devil  to  pay  presently. 

(going) 

Buf.  The  devil  to  pay,  will  there  ?  Then,  as  I  am 
purse-bearer,  curse  me  if  I  dont  resign  my  office — 
fly,  rascal,  to  your  post,  and  say  I  am  coming — when 
the  fight's  finished. 

(HAS AX  is  met  by  officers  and  troops.) 

Off.  Halt! 

Buf.  Ah  !  some  of  us  will  halt  with  a  vengeance, 
after  the  battle. 


Act  11}  ZEMBUCA.  39 

Off.  Buffardo,  you  must  remain  here — the  chief 
attack  is  expected  on  this  side  the  fortress. 

Buf.  You  don't  say  so  ! 

Off.  We  shall  be  safe  enough  yonder. 

Buf.  Shall  you  ?  I  wish  I  was  of  your  party  then. 

Off.  Our  scouts  inform  me,  there  is  no  end  to  the 
troops  who  are  advancing. 

Buf.  Ah  !  then  there  will  soon  be  an  end  of  me. 

Off.  Now  plant  your  men  upon  the  ramparts,  and 
stand  firm  !  [exit  officer 

[HASAN  occupied  in  dressing  the  troops'] 

JBuf.  I'll  stand  firm,  as  long  as  I  can,  you  may 
take  your  oath ;  and,  when  I've  planted  my  men,  as 
you  call  it,  I'll  transplant  myself  to  a  place  of  safety. 
Here's  a  horrid  business !  they've  stuck  me  in  the 
post  of  honour ! — honour  !  'psha !  it  never  was  in  my 
department. 

(flourish) 
enter  ZEMBUCA,  KOHAC,  and  guard,  TM^ALMAZAIDE. 

Zem*  Convey  her  to  the  tower  that  flanks  the 
northern  entrance,  over  the  dry  moat. 

Ko.  Not  there  !  not  there  !  'tis  dangerous,  should 
the  foe  strike  there. 

Zem.  I  care  not ;  from  that  tower  she  shall  behold 
the  downfall  of  the  rebel  Selim. 

Mm.  E'en  lead  me  where  you  please  ;  Selim,  my 
beloved  Selim  !  has  escaped  thy  tyrant  grasp,  and  I 
shall  now  possess,  even  in  death,  a  joy  beyond  thy 
power  to  deprive  me  of. 

Zem.  You  know  your  orders — obey  them. 

(ALMAZAIDE  is  led  off — ZEMBUCA  perceives  BUF- 
FARDO hiding  himself  behind  the  troops.) 

— Buffardo!  villain!  (BUFFARDO  shrinks  from  him  ter- 
rified)— should  you  have  aided  Selim  in  his  flight, 
you  pay  the  forfeit  with  your  life. 

Buf.  Impossible,  my  life  is  bespoke  already,  by  the 
captain  of  the  janissaries — oh,  yes,  I'm  provided  for. 


40  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

Zem.  When  you  are  returned,  we  shall  enquire 
further — now,  follow  me  to  punish  treason,  and  sub- 
due rebellion  !  [exit  with  troops 

Buf.  When  I'm  returned,  hey  ?  If  ever  I'm  re- 
turned, it  sha'n't  be  in  the  list  of  killed  and  wounded 
— I'll  be  one  of  the  missing — my  accommodating 
conscience  is  terribly  bothered ;  but  if  I  can  save  my 
life  and  retain  my  place,  it's  all  the  same  to  me  which 
party  gets  into  power.  {exit 

SCENE  THE  LAST — the  exterior  of  the  fortress — the  body 
of  the  building,  -with  ramparts  and  towers  extending 
in  perspective  up  the  stage — a  moat,  dry,  occupies 
the  centre — a  drawbridge  raised  over  it — steps  on 
the  right  ascend  to  a  ivater  sluice,  shut.  In  the  dis- 
tance, various  buildings  appertaining  to  the  palace 
and  fortress,  beyond  ivhich  are  mountains,  -with  a  mi- 
naret on  one  of  their  summits.  The  appearance, 
early  dawn ;  the  whole  exhibiting  a  striking  effect 
of  repose  and  grandeur. 

ALMAZAIDE  is  seen  in  a  grated -window  of  the  tower 
g   thatjlanks  the  bridge. 

Music,  low  and  mournful,  accompanies  the  opening. 
KORAC  appears  at  the  portal,  and  looks  around  the 
various  parts  in  search — notices  ALMAZAIDE — music 
ceases. 

Ko.  Yes,  in  that  tower  she  is  immured,  the  very 
tower  I  warned  them  to  attack  ;  'tis  true  I  may  re- 
lease her  ;  but  to  pass  the  moat  without  our  friends 
to  aid  us — it  must  not  be  attempted — my  heart  mis- 
gives me,  if  Ebra  should  have  lost  that  packet  to  the 
sheik  Mohammed. 

EBRA  appears  at  the  bridge  platform. 
Round,  round  to  the  portal ! 


Act  II]  ZEMBUCA.  41 

(KORAC  crosses  the  stage,  as  EBRA  goes  from  the  plat- 
form— the  drawbridge  slowly  descends,  and  MIRZA 
cautiously  passes,  securing  it  on  the  opposite  side  ivith 
bolts,  and  disengaging  the  chains.  KORAC  opening 
the  gate,  admits  Ebra) 

Ko.  On  one  word  all  depends. 

Eb.  'Tis  done ! 

Ko.  Do  they  advance  ? 

Eb.   Rapidly. 

Ko.  Can  we  be  assured  of  their  approach  ? 

Rb.  Yes,  by  the  firing  of  the  beacon. 

Ko.  That  on  the  hill  ? 

Eb.  Yes. — Mirza! 

MIRZA  appears  at  the  gate  to  them. 

Ko.  Hush !  not  so  loud — how  did  you  pass  the 
sentinels  ? 

Mir.  I  encountered  none — all  is  confusion  within 
the  fortress — no  man  knows  his  station.  I  have  se- 
cured the  bridge — no  power  of  theirs  within  can  raise 
it. 

Ko.  Say,  Ebra,  has  Selim  joined  the  sheik  Maham- 
med? 

Eb.  He  has. 

Ko.  Zembuca's  star  grows  pale  ! 

Eb.  The  news  contained  in  that  packet  spread 
like  wild-fire  through  the  ranks,  and  all  proclaimed 
the  aga,  sultan  ! 

Ko.  Indeed  !  then  is  my  atonement  made.  Korac 
is  no  longer  burthened  with  a  load  of  guilt. 

Eb.  What  mean  you  ? 

Ko.  That  paper  was  the  dying  confession  of  the 
vizier  Ali,  signed  by  his  own  hand,  in  the  presence  of 
Zembuca  and  myself. 

Mir.   What  did  it  disclose  ? 

Ko.  A  secret,  that  I  too  long  have  kept.  Urged 
by  false  pride,  and  a  vile  thirst  of  power,  he,  in  their 
infancy,  exchanged  his  own  offspring  for  the  heir  of 
E 


42  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocock 

our   last   monarch — Selim    is  that  heir, — Zembuca, 
All's  son. 

(distant  drum — and  the  beacon  appears  in  Jtames  on 
the  hill.) 

Eb.  Ah  !  the  signal ! They  come  !  I  see  them 

on  the  mountains. 

A'o.  The  time  is  apt !  now  prepare  to  receive  the 
captive  Almazaicle. 

[exit  KOIIAC  to  the  portal,  on  the  fortress  side 

[MIRZA  and  EBRA  retire  behind  steps  that  lead  to  the 
sluice — a  soldier  on  the  bridge  sounds  a  horn,  which 
is  answered  "within — ZEMBUCA  on  the  rampart  ft — 
from  the  time  Ebra  exclaims,  "they  come  /"  music, 
indicating  march,  strikes  very  piano,  increasing 
forte  ;  but  as  the  dialogue  allows,  according  to  the 
approach  of  the  troops.] 

/.em.  Up  with  the  drawbridge. 

(sentinel  appears  on  the  bridge.) 

Sen.  We  cannot  raise  it — the  works  are  damaged. 
Zem.  Cut  it  away,  instantly. 

(the  bridge  is  cut  away,  and  falls  into  the  moat.) 
(music,  louder) 

Zem.  Now  let  all  retire,  and  lie  concealed  within 
the  walls — these  slaves  shall  still  believe  us  unpre- 
pared, and  rush  upon  destruction  !  „  [c.rit 

Eb.  The  bridge  destroyed  ! 

Mir.  Then  is  their  retreat  cut  ofF. 

(KOIIAC,  with  AI.MAZAIDE,  enters  from   the  portal,   and 
«       stop  in  despair  at  the  edge  of  the  moat.) 

Ko.  The  bridge  cut  down !  what  is  to  be  done  ? 
ah!  I  see  a  plank  amidst  the  fragments.  Fear  not, 
Almazaide  :  1  will  release  you  from  this 
grasp,  or  perish  in  the  attempt. 


Act  II}  ZEMBUCA.  43 

[KORAC,  holding1  by  the  chains  that  had  supported  the 
bridge,  swings  himself  over  the  moat — he  takes  a 
plank  from  the  fragments  of  the  bridge,  -which  be- 
ing insufficient  to  reach  across,  he  props  it  ivith  his 
shoulder,  -while  ALMAZAIDE  advances,  and  leaps  the 
remaining  space  into  the  arms  of  SELIM,  tvho  appears 
on  the  platform.  During  this,  ZJS.MW ex's  following 
speech  is  heard — the  moment  Almazaide  is  across, 
Korac  drops  the  plank,  and  those  in  pursuit  appear — 
Korac  seen  climbing  to  the  platform — Selim  retires 
ivith  Almazaide. 

Zem.  Korac's  voice  !  Almazaide  too  !  Guards  !  fol- 
low, (enters  in  front  of  the  stage.)  On  your  lives  se- 
cure them.  Curse  on  them,  they  escape  ! 

Off.  Tte|knemy  are  close  upon  us,  the  outposts  are 
driven  in,J^jlDthey  have  entered  the  eastern  gate. 

Zem.  3Vrarcn  them  to  the  moat  beneath  ;  there  let 
our  soldiers  lie  in  ambush.  Traitor  ! 

Ko.  (havirig  gained  the  platform)  Traitor  I  am 
none  ;  thou  art  the  traitor  ;  ihou  hast  filled  the  seat 
of  mercy  with  cruelty  and  oppression  ;  rebelled 
against  our  prophet's  laws,  and  against  thy  lawful 
sovereign — Selim  ! 

[Soldiers  appear  in   the  moat — MIRZA   and  EBRA  ad- 
vance from  behind  the  steps.] 

Eb.  Do  you  observe  ?  Zembuca's  men  have  occu- 
pied the  moat, — if  we  are  overpowered, 

Mir.  The  moat !  then  we  may  still  assist  our 
friends. 

Eb.  Ah  !  the  sluice  !  the  sluice  ! 
Mir.  Now,  you  rascals  !  I'll  cool  your  courage  ! 
Crushing  up  steps  J  Help,  Ebra,  help  ! 
[EBRA. follows  him — they  lift  thejlood-gate,  and  the  wa- 
ter flows  into  the  moat.     Jit  the  instant,  shouts  heard. 
MIRZA  unbolts  the  entrance,  and  SELIM'S  party  enter. 
Jit  the  same  instant  ZEMBUCA  and  his  men  Jill  the 
front— firing  commences   at  the  back,  -while  the  com- 
bat in  front  is  continued.     As  Zembuca's  parti]  are 
driven  by  Selim's,  and  followed  into  the  castle,  the. 


44  ZEMBUCA.  [Pocockl 

walls  appear  damaged — shells  and  bombs,  &c.  seen  to\ 
paxs  to  and  from  the  fortress  ;  the  moat  appears  tojlll\ 
with  water,  and  the  distant  part  of  the   building  in  1 
Jlames.     The  combatants  appear  a  second  time  in  \ 
front — KORAC   combats  with  Zembuca  ; — his  sword, 
knocked  from  his  gripe,  is  caught  up  by  Ebra,  who 
comes  from  steps — the  combat  is  renewed — Zembuca 
rushes  through  the  portal,  followed  by  Korac.     Zem- 
buca enters  tower,   the  front  of  which  falls  and  dis- 
closes him  in  a  perilous  situation — the  building  blows 
up,  the  tower  falls,  and  Zembuca,  clinging  to  a  raf- 
ter, is  precipitated  into  the  moat — Selim  enters  with 
Almazaide,  Mirza  preceding  and  followed  by  Korac, 
— all  bend  the  knee  to  Almazaide  and  Selim — gene- 
ral *  ho ut  of  the  victors.] 


FINIS. 


GAYLORD 

BROS.,  INC. 

Manufacturers 

Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
Stockton.  Calif. 


OVC5J 


M188448 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


